A man and woman have been banned for life from keeping animals after it emerged they caused unnecessary suffering to a heavily pregnant German Shepherd cross dog by failing to provide vet care for a leg injury. Roseanne Lee and Nathan Price were found guilty of neglecting the dog, known as Bella, at Swansea Magistrates’ Court. Bella was discovered with a leg injury that had gone untreated, leading to her suffering.
The court heard how RSPCA deputy chief inspector Gemma Cooper presented evidence of Bella’s condition to a veterinary surgeon on January 16. The vet determined that Bella’s leg appeared to have been broken and had healed abnormally over time. Following this discovery, the police were alerted and found Bella at a temporary travellers site. Bella was later seized by police and taken to the RSPCA Merthyr Tydfil Veterinary Clinic for examination.
After Bella gave birth to 11 puppies on January 18, a vet’s report confirmed that her hind leg had a femoral neck fracture and a healed femur fracture, among other injuries. The report highlighted the severe pain Bella must have endured and how essential it was for her to receive immediate veterinary attention. Bella and her puppies were transferred to an RSPCA foster home for care and rehoming.
At the sentencing hearing, Lee and Price were given suspended jail sentences and disqualified from owning animals for life. They were also ordered to pay fines and undertake rehabilitation activities. Bella received the necessary veterinary care and her leg was amputated after weaning her puppies. She is now recovering well in the care of the RSPCA while her puppies have been successfully rehomed.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and the consequences of neglecting the welfare of animals. The RSPCA continues to advocate for the welfare of animals and encourages the public to report any concerns regarding animal welfare.